Wales leading the UK with Active Travel Bill

There’s often a barrage of pundits pointing across the water to Northern Europe for an example of how to grow cycling, but it seems we could be looking closer to home, according to Sustrans.

The sustainable transport charity has singled out Wales for how it has prioritised walking and cycling for shorter journeys through the Active Travel (Wales) Bill.

The Bill has been branded a "world first" with "the potential to be one of the most effective public health interventions since the creation of the Welsh Assembly".

The Active Travel Bill makes it a legal requirement for local authorities to plan and deliver routes that link up hospitals, schools and shopping areas with traffic-free routes and cycle lanes.

Carl Sargent AM, Minister responsible for Transport in the Welsh Assembly, gave evidence at the last session of the ‘Get Britain Cycling‘ enquiry, prompting Sustrans Cymru to call for the Bill to be implemented UK-wide.

Sustrans Cymru national director Lee Waters said: "It is significant that the Welsh Government are using their new law making powers to send a very powerful signal about the need to get more people walking and cycling. Carl Sargeant wants councils to plan for the movement of people, not just cars as is all too often the case.

"This legislation could be a blueprint for other UK Government’s to make walking and cycling the normal way to get around for everyday journeys."